Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 13: Days after the teaser of director Vishal Bhardwaj’s upcoming film O Romeo was unveiled, the project has run into a controversy with the daughter of slain Mumbai gangster Hussain Ustara demanding Rs 2 crore from the makers and seeking a postponement of the film’s release.

According to reports, Sanober Shaikh, daughter of Hussain Shaikh alias Ustara, has sent a legal letter to producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Vishal Bhardwaj alleging that the film portrays her father in a negative light, thereby damaging the family’s reputation. She has reportedly asked for a compensation of Rs 2 crore and requested that the release of the film be halted or cancelled until her concerns are addressed. The makers have not yet issued an official response.

Sources quoted by Bollywood Hungama said the letter was sent last week to Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Vishal Bhardwaj. It claims that the film appears to draw from real-life events associated with Hussain Ustara, prompting the demand for monetary compensation.

The teaser of O Romeo hints at a violent action-romance, with Shahid Kapoor playing a gunman, but the makers have not revealed details of the storyline. They have also not confirmed whether the film is based on the life or rivalry of Hussain Ustara, who was known for his feud with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, O Romeo marks his third collaboration with Shahid Kapoor after Kaminey and Haider. The film features an ensemble cast including Triptii Dimri, Avinash Tiwary, Farida Jalal, Vikrant Massey, Nana Patekar, Tamannaah Bhatia and Disha Patani, and is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 13.